Soccer player in a red jersey celebrating in the foreground with two players in circles in the background, one in a blue and white uniform and the other in a white and red uniform.
Kees Smit with Zubimendi and Stiller in circles | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
FIRST TEAM

Neither Zubimendi nor Stiller: Juni Calafat has found Modrić's successor and he could join

The midfielder who is being strongly linked to Real Madrid

by

Borja Díaz

Real Madrid remains very alert to the market, considering possible signings for the midfield. It is true that the latest reports indicate that there ultimately won't be any reinforcements in that regard. Although names have continued to emerge, some of them very striking.

Zubimendi seemed for many months to be the big favorite, as he was Xabi Alonso's request to the board. However, they ended up ruling him out and that led him to sign for Arsenal. Stiller also appeared, and it was suggested that they had a deal done, but in the end, that also seems complicated.

Soccer player in a yellow uniform celebrating a goal by jumping in the air during a match with the stadium full of spectators
Zubimendi celebrating a goal with Spain | RealMadridConfidencial

This has made them start looking at other alternatives, and one of them seems to have come up by surprise. Some sources indicate that Juni Calafat has set his sights on the young Kees Smit. At 19 years old (19 años), this midfielder from AZ Alkmaar is seen by many as the Modric of the future.

Scorer of 10 goals and 7 assists this season, he has confirmed his level during the Under-19 European Championship. He has been named MVP of the tournament, clearly showing the great quality he has in his boots. At Real Madrid, they haven't missed a single detail of his performance throughout this campaign.

Real Madrid more inclined not to add anyone this summer

Despite all the rumors that have surfaced in recent days, a signing seems complicated. Real Madrid replied to Xabi Alonso's request to add a midfielder. They assured him that bringing in anyone else for that position was not in their plans.

Soccer player wearing a River Plate jersey celebrating a goal in a stadium full of fans
Franco Mastantuono with his arms open | RealMadridConfidencial

With Franco Mastantuono, they believe they have managed to secure the arrival of the most promising player on the market. They also trust the current squad to be able to perform at a good level this season. Xabi already knows this, therefore, he is starting to think about the players he has.

Trent, Huijsen, and Arda Güler are expected to be key figures in playmaking. We are already seeing it during the Club World Cup, especially the last two. With Mastantuono's arrival, they believe the midfield is already set.

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